L | ATER DICTATES our
I routes, our lives." To that
Ageless refrain, a herds
man slakes his camels'
thirst (left). Beneath the parched
soil of Djibouti lie abundant
pockets of water, but digging is
costly and often fruitless. Plan
ners hope to increase the number
of permanent wells and convince
nomads that the desert can
bloom if they will farm it.
The dearth of agriculture con
tributes to malnutrition, which
often breeds tuberculosis. Many
people take the edge off their
hunger by chewing kat, a
euphoria-inducing plant. To
nourish a healthier future, the
Roman Catholic Social Home for
African Women holds child-care
classes (below). Parents and
children alike often reflect a
handsome grace, like this girl on
Independence Day (right).
Djibouti, Tiny New Nation on Africa's Horn
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